I'm pumped to see him back in a race seat. He might not ever win a championship; but he's a smart, consistent, and fair driver who definitely should have been on the grid at the beginning of the season.

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The German, who until recently held the position of Mercedes GP reserve driver before joining Pirelli as a test driver, has a long association with the Swiss team having raced for them for seven seasons. Heidfeld left Sauber a mere nine months ago after he was replaced by de la Rosa following BMW's withdrawal from the sport.

"It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism," explained team boss Peter Sauber. "By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car."

Understandably delight with securing a race seat, Heidfeld admitted it felt like he was returning home. "I'm looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula One from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last months I'm even more motivated than ever," he explained.

"For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me."